Overview:
CPJ requires the discharge of veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean after his abduction.
New York — The Committee to Defend Journalists is asking on Haitian authorities to safe the discharge of veteran journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, who was kidnapped by armed males in Delmas 31 on Sept. 6.
In a statement launched on Sept. 12, CPJ mentioned that the abductors have demanded a ransom and offered proof of life by phone, citing Richard Widmaier, director of Radio-Télé Métropole and president of the Nationwide Affiliation of Haitian Media.
“The kidnapping of veteran Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean is deeply alarming,” mentioned José Zamora, CPJ’s regional director for the Americas.
“Haitian authorities should act urgently to safe Jean’s secure launch, examine his abduction, and take concrete steps to guard journalists from escalating violence and insecurity,” Zamora mentioned.
Jean, 46, has co-hosted Radio-Télé Métropole’s morning information program for greater than 10 years. A witness reported his abduction to colleagues, in accordance with CPJ. The group mentioned it stays unclear whether or not he was focused due to his work as a journalist.
Jean’s kidnapping was amongst a collection of abductions reported in and round Port-au-Prince on Sept.6 and seven. Different stories have recognized Delmas 31 as a web site of repeated kidnapping incidents.
CPJ mentioned the case comes as Haiti continues to face widespread gang violence and displacement. Citing the newest United Nations figures, the group mentioned 1.5 million folks have been displaced throughout the nation, whereas greater than 3,050 folks have been killed and 1,400 injured between January and June. The UN additionally recorded at the least 81 kidnappings throughout that interval, with instances rising within the second quarter.
CPJ mentioned it offered monetary assist to 17 Haitian journalists in 2025 who confronted work-related incidents, together with help for psychosocial care, medical bills, and relocation.